Theory and practice of increasing efficiency using compounding

Over 200
participants from approximately 25 nations came to Stuttgart, Germany on November
15 and 16, accepting their invitations to the Coperion Extrusion Days. In
keeping with the motto “Efficiency in Compounding”, lectures, factory tours,
and live presentations acquainted visitors with the enormous potential that
modern extrusion technology provides for optimizing production processes
involved in engineering plastics compounding. Significant throughput increases
together with time and operational cost savings - without compromising product
quality - comprised the focus of these events.

Within the
framework of this two-day event, internal and external experts from industry
and research provided background information on the efficiency of the twin
screw extruder and its peripheral devices, as well as on special developments
for a broad range of diverse applications. Practical examples of successfully
implemented optimization processes were central to the event.

Among the
demonstration highlights was the production of an anti-block masterbatch using
a ZSK 58 Mc18 twin screw extruder and Coperion’s patented,
throughput-increasing Feed Enhancement Technology (FET), expanded with a
semiautomatic SCP strand conveying unit, as well as a SP 200 strand pelletizer
from Coperion Pelletizing Technology.

A ZSK 34 Mv
PLUS twin screw extruder was the central element in a demonstration of HMPSA
(Hot Melt Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive) manufacturing. In this example, a
Roll-ex system masticated rubber balls on hand as a formula component so far as
to enable continuous extruder feeding.

Use of a
demonstration extruder with a transparent plastic housing allowed Coperion
Stuttgart's research and development team to give visitors the ability to see
for themselves how differently designed mixing elements ensure complete mixing
of two fluids with different viscosities. A CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
flow simulation shown in parallel demonstrated the broad agreement between
theory and practice. Coperion is implementing this process in order to evaluate
newly developed screw elements and mixtures, among others.

“More efficient processes with higher
throughputs are the alpha and omega of modern engineering plastics production.
For many years, we have been tailoring our technical developments in
compounding processes with the goal of increased efficiency. Using individual
machines, complete turnkey systems, and process know-how gleaned over decades,
we offer our customers a broad spectrum of options for optimizing their
production”, said Peter von Hoffmann, General Manager, Business Unit
Engineering Plastics & Special Applications at Coperion.

The variety
of questions raised in the forum, as well as the animated discussions during
breaks between event blocks, demonstrated how great the need is for information
in this field. Time and again, participants expressed amazement at the
versatile possibilities shown, even in their own companies, to increase
productivity with short-term ROI and increased quality consistency.

Moreover,
during one extensive factory tour, participants at the 2018 Extrusion Days
gleaned an impression of Coperion’s vertical integration at its Stuttgart
location, ranging from screw element and extruder barrel manufacturing to final
assembly of twin screw extruders.

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Press registered at the Milan Court, n.144 at 03/22/2010 Pubblisher: Mario Maggiani.Reproduction prohibited, all rights reserved. The editorial staff disclaims all responsibility regarding the worth of articles and news from various sources.